Chicago's newest wildlife stars officially have names, adding another memorable chapter to one of the city's greatest conservation success stories.
The two bald eaglets that made history this spring as the first to hatch in a Chicago Park District park in more than a century are now known as Marian and Migizi. Their names were announced July 2 after thousands of Chicagoans participated in a public naming contest.
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The celebration took place at Big Marsh Adventure Camp on the city's Southeast Side, where campers helped reveal the winning names. More than 3,200 name suggestions were submitted before the public voted on three finalists.
The name Migizi means "bald eagle" in the Ojibwe language, recognizing the area's Indigenous heritage. Marian honors the late Marian R. Byrnes, a longtime environmental advocate whose work helped protect natural areas throughout Chicago.
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The eaglets hatched earlier this year in a nest near the Calumet River, marking the first successful bald eagle hatch in a Chicago park in more than 100 years. Their arrival has become a powerful symbol of how conservation efforts can restore wildlife once thought lost from urban areas.
The nesting pair was first spotted in 2025 by longtime birders Steve and Pat Pearson, who carefully monitored the birds after noticing them building a nest. Although that first attempt was unsuccessful, the eagles returned this year and successfully raised two healthy chicks.
Interest in the eaglets quickly spread across the city, with wildlife enthusiasts following their progress from a respectful distance. To protect the birds during their early development, officials limited access to the nesting area and encouraged visitors not to share its exact location.
The return of bald eagles to Chicago reflects decades of habitat restoration and environmental stewardship. Once driven from Illinois by habitat loss and the effects of DDT, the nation's iconic bird has made a remarkable comeback across the state.
As Chicago celebrates this historic moment, Marian and Migizi have become more than just two young eagles. They are symbols of resilience, hope and the lasting impact of protecting the city's natural spaces for future generations.
Source:
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/07/02/chicagos-first-bald-eaglets/
https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/winning-names-bald-eaglets-born-chicago-park/
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